ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

Terms Expire for Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG) Members

(Phoenix, Arizona - March 18, 2008) - The Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG) says goodbye to outstanding members after 3-year terms.

Mikes Sipes from Show Low, Arizona, Rebecca Antle from Tucson, Arizona and Sandee McCullen from Mesa, Arizona terms expired December 2007 but were extended until the Arizona State Parks Board appoints new members on April 4, 2008.

During Mike Sipe's term OHVAG made recommendations on the funding of OHV programs and projects such as:

  • improvement of OHV trails and facilities,
  • mitigation of damage to resource from OHV projects,
  • statewide responsible riding education programs,
  • development of a volunteer program that allows trained volunteers to conduct activities such as patrolling trails to monitor and report missing signs and trail conditions, update information kiosks, and provide information to the public,
  • a dealer program to provide OHV dealerships with responsible riding information to distribute to new OHV users

Sipes also assisted in:

  • the development of the statewide 2005 Motorized Trails Plan which is designed to provide information and recommendations to guide agencies in Arizona in their management of motorized trails resources.
  • Development of public information materials such as the Nature Rules - Where to Ride brochure.
  • Providing policy advice for federal and state off-highway vehicle regulations.

Michael Sipes is avid outdoorsman with a Bachelor's of Science degree in wildlife management from the University of Arizona. Sipes retired from Arizona State Parks in December 2001 after nearly 27 years of managing recreational and historical resources throughout Arizona. He is committed to public service having served on various committees and commissions both for the Parks Board and within local Arizona communities. As an EMT, he served as a member of the Santa Cruz County Emergency Service Commission and obtained an Amateur Radio License to enhance his participation in emergency communications. Most recently, Sipes has served as Chairman and Vice Chairman for the Show Low, Arizona's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Sipes specific interests in off highway vehicle activities stem from exploring Arizona ghost town and mining sites. He has owned a 4x4 utility vehicle since 1970 and has explored many miles of Arizona's backcountry in various outdoor pursuits such as photography, hiking and hunting. He was appointed to the Arizona Off-highway Vehicle Advisory Group in November of 2001 as a representative of the general public. As an OHVAG member, he developed an active interest in ATV trail riding and is currently serving as President of the White Mountain Open Trails ATV Association and as a Ride Leader for the annual Arizona Outlaw Trail Jamboree in Eagar, Arizona.

The Arizona State Parks Board appoints the seven-member, volunteer citizen Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG). Five members must be members of organized OHV groups. Two members must represent the general public or casual OHV enthusiast. The OHVAG advises the Arizona State Parks Board about off-highway vehicle (OHV) needs and issues statewide, on the development and implementation of the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Plan, as well as expenditures from the Arizona OHV Recreation Fund and Federal Recreational Trails Program Motorized Portion. Each individual is appointed to a three-year term. The Group meets several times annually at locations around the State.

For more information about the Off-Highway Vehicle Program visit Arizona State Parks website under Off-Highway Vehicle Program at www.azstateparks.com or call (602) 542-4174.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2008/PR_03-19-08.html

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